Counting down to 2012!

Time for the annual list of New Year resolutions! Probably a reminder of what should and should not have been done during the previous year. But it is fun to look back at my previous resolutions. Thankful I've actuall improved somewhat.

1) More quality time with Dani and Bryan. Making family work and making things more meaningful, so to speak. Having a baby and still adjusting to living away from home, sometimes I find myself so sleepy and tired that its hard to appreciate and make the best out of the moment.

2) Reread the Bible again this year. Its been a while and this is probably my 3rd or 4th go. Its never enough as long as there is breathe in me. No more excuses.

3) try to read more in general. Not to mention I just discovered Audible.com for the lazy bum in me. Wuhu!

4) seriously have a healthier lifestyle. Watch my diet and EXERCISE! This is so cliché but it is such a big resolution if none of the shirts I have fit and my belly button starts showing. That fad was left in the 80s. Moving on!

5) More me time which equals pampering and making myself look more like a lady than a frumpy bag of ugh!

Surprisingly, I can only think of 5 right now. Maybe in the next few days I get to add to this list.

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My first Noche Buena spread

Stuffed baked chicken (actually practised this 2x beforehand).


Steak and mixed veggies made by moi! Paella by HDR.

Im just proud my cooking didn't come out as one big flop!

Its not yet over. We can still make a difference.

In closing the year 2011

Obviously its been one big ride of a year, 2011. Barely a few days left and it still keeps coming up with new and exciting ways to make my jaw drop. A blessed year indeed and looking forward to the new chapter that is 2012.

Top 10 high moments to remember for 2011:
1) My baby Danielle Beatrice is obviously my top highlight.
2) My brother and his long time love, Vicky got hitched in beautiful Boracay with family and great friends in attendance despite the nasty weather.
3) My brother and Vicky's expecting a baby boy!
4) Despite all the health situations our family faced, His face shines brightly and His healing is always near. Praising God that my father is doing so much better.
5) Rediscovering amazing friends who were with me through the last phases of my pregnancy. Their support and encouragement were with me all the way.
6) Special moments with me and Dani each day. A miracle to behold and I am still speechless with gratefulness.
7) Seeing Dani and Bryan together. Is there anything more simple and profound? A father and daughter together.
8) On the business side, it has been a lot of highs despite having some lows. But again, God provides and He has brought me to places my little puny, scatter brain could never would have dreamed of. Reaching new horizons and pushing forward with God's hand.
9) Trips with Bryan and Dani have been so fun and exciting. Its still a new experience for me and definitely relishing every single moment of it.
10) Finding out that Michael and Tina are getting married next year! I am so excited. Love these two dearly and wishing them all the joy and happiness they can dream of.

I prefer to look at the positive rather than the negatives. Life is so full of bad vibes to begin with. Time to look at the horizon and see whats before us rather than looking back and stumbling all over the place.

Hmmm... Time to get my resolutions in order.

Saved Festival 2011

Since I started my life as a married woman, being alone in my faith was a reality I knew I would face. It would be my challenge and it is probably my biggest frustration to date. As much as I love my husband, more so do I love my God. But making God real in the life of this family is like waiting for a bus to get going and no one seems to be coming along for the ride.

Last weekend was a weekend of worry. God knows I worry so much and impatient at the same time. So when Ana and April invited me to the Saved Festival 2011 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, it was exactly what I needed.

The moment I walked in, I was surrounded by my own kind and the energy was electrifying. My hair was standing on ends. You knew the Spirit was strong and the fire of the Lord burns intensely in the hearts of so many. To see all those young people, God's army is alive and strong. What a time to live in!

Fully recharged and free to sing my heart out. God be glorified!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWM0CuVB5_0&feature=youtube_gdata_player



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Called to understand

Romans 14:13
"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."

Living by God’s right standards, living to be a peacemaker, and living to be a source of joy in our relationships are what kingdom life is all about. And, when we live like this, our lives please God and bless others
- from Our Daily Bread


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Home

Home is definitely where the heart is. Sometimes I wish I never left. But I have to get used to this reality. My life is now a constant back and forth motion between two loves.


Coming home with Dani is an outer body experience is some points. Seeing Dani on the same bed I grew up and slept in, dreaming of my Prince and the children I would have with him. What a happy ending!


Dad is looking a bit haggard. Im worried. His eyes are dark and he looks tired. Lord God, give him your strength to go with His courage.


Its times like these that I will treaure and remember for all my life.


My dad is turning 62 tomorrow. I'm glaf he can be here for Dani. You can see it in his eyes. So much gentleness, love and awe. If I could freeze it all and keep it close always.


I love being home.



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Remembering...

Its the first time I'm actually in Iloilo for this time of year. Can't remember when I was actually here for All Soul's Day.

First time in Tanza Chinese Cemetery. Lots of incense. Lots of smoke. Its a learning process. Started out at 9am.

Headed for Garden of the Ascension but apparently the family are running late so we ended up heading to Forest Lake.

It amazes me how intricate the cemeteries are here!

Seeing family at Christ the King was wonderful. Not to mention a good portion of David's spareribs. Still as good as I remember them! 😍 Unfortunately, it shocked me it was P80 now! Hhwwaat?!

Hot, smokey, sticky, itchy... It was a good day. 😊

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Thank you, Steve Jobs

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."

~ Steve Jobs

With my Iphone, Ipad and Macbook by my side, thank you, Steve, for making life easier and beyond our expectations. You will truly be missed but will always be remembered.

She is for you, Father God.

Sept 3, 2011 (Saturday) at 10:30am

We dedicated Danielle Beatrice to the Lord, as it was in His Word. Praying that God will be her strength when she is down, her triumph in her accomplishments, her might when she is weak and her heart's foremost and utmost desire all the days of her life.

I offer her up to you, Lord. What I have in abundance comes from you. She is Your ultimate gift in my life. Thank you, Lord God.